Participants in Jordan concluded that to achieve peace, foes must put aside their differences, neighbors must integrate their economies, and each society must balance traditional values with the demands and pressures of globalization. But the key message was the importance of forgiveness in forging peace in the Middle East. "The first step in reconciliation is forgiveness," Prince Turki Al Faisal Al Saud, said. "When people have the courage to forgive those who have done them harm, that is when reconciliation begins." Later, asked to comment on the prospects for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Prince Turki added that "the issue should be one of forgiveness on both sides."
| [T]he key message was the importance of forgiveness in forging peace in the Middle East. |
Jacob Zuma, Deputy President of South Africa, told participants how reconciliation played out in South Africa. The key, he said, was to include all parties in the process so that "everybody had ownership of the decisions." Another important step was the setting up of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to look into apartheid-era abuses. "We needed to face our ugly past," Zuma explained. Abdullah Gül, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, described how, after improving its relations with its neighbors, Turkey has benefited economically. He counseled political moderates to defend their positions and views strenuously over extremists. He added that successful reconciliation and peacemaking should be publicized so these efforts are appreciated.
| a. Better life for young Arabs |
His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan said the forum identified the mechanisms to implement the peace roadmap, advancing economic, social and political reform in the region, fueling the engines of growth and development, and promoting the reconstruction of Iraq--a reconstruction that respects the rights of its people to determine their own future. Binding these key issues together is a single thread: the need to make a safer future, and a better future, for this region – and the world. The Jordanian monarch said the need is urgent. Just as we must act now to resolve regional conflicts, we must swiftly heal socio-economic despair. It's true that in the Arab world, there is much less extreme poverty than in other developing regions. However, there are still too many people in need… too many unemployed… and more young people facing these harsh realities every day.
Focusing on development in the Arab world King Abdullah II said that half of the Arab population is younger than 18, and these young people, like young people everywhere, deserve a future they can prosper in, a future with opportunity and hope. Cut off from that opportunity, is it any wonder they doubt the good of globalization – or the goodwill of the developed world? “To change this, we must act. And I believe that action begins at home. We in Jordan – and many others, throughout the Middle East – are working hard to create a civic environment in which our people will thrive. The basic requirement is an inclusive, democratic civil society – one that guarantees rights, delegates responsibilities, honors merit and rewards achievement. The foundation stones on which we build are peace and stability, basic civil and political rights, essential services, freedom of expression, and the rule of law,” said the King.
Expanding on changes in Jordan, the King noted that his country held Parliamentary elections in June. One hundred and ten new members of the Lower House were elected to join the country's 55 Senators in working together for Jordan's future. Countless other Jordanians are on the same mission; first, Public officials, who are spearheading a new ethos of service and efficiency; second, Private-sector leaders, who are reaching around the world to create new and innovative business; third, NGO's and community leaders, who are safeguarding children, empowering women, protecting the environment and much more. The King also affirmed his commitment to human rights, an issue that has always plagued the Arab world under the monarchs and oligarchic and authoritarian rulers of the Arab states since their independence from colonialism.
